Design a modern shower bath that looks refined, feels spacious and works hard for everyday life. Whether you’re renovating a family bathroom, an ensuite or an investment property, Joyce Kitchens brings Perth expertise in bathroom, kitchen, laundry and wardrobe design to deliver a clean, safe and durable result.
What is a modern shower bath?
A modern shower bath combines a full-sized bath with an integrated shower, often enclosed by a frameless or semi‑frameless glass screen. It’s a smart way to save floor area while keeping the flexibility of both a relaxing soak and an everyday shower.
A compact bath (typically 1500–1600 mm long) with a squared showering end and anti‑slip base, paired with a swing or fixed glass panel to contain water and provide a generous standing area.
Core insights for bath–shower design in Australia
1) Optimise the showering zone
- Choose a bath with a square shower end and flat standing area for stability.
- Pair with a framed, semi‑frameless or frameless shower screen at least 900–1000 mm long to reduce splash.
- Add a twin‑rail or rail shower for adjustable height plus a hand shower for rinsing kids and cleaning.
2) Waterproofing and safety (WA conditions)
- Bathrooms must comply with AS/NZS 3740 waterproofing requirements and the NCC. Use accredited waterproofers and keep the certificate.
- Target slip resistance of P3–P4 for wet areas. Porcelain tiles with structured finishes perform well.
- Ensure falls to waste are correct to prevent pooling, especially in long, narrow rooms.
The subtle slope in the floor that directs water to the drain. Typical showers are designed at 1:80–1:60; consult your tiler to meet code and tile format.
3) Ventilation, heat and water quality
- Duct exhaust fans to the exterior (not just the roof space) to avoid moisture issues under WA’s warm conditions.
- Select high‑quality tapware rated under WELS for efficiency and performance in areas with hard water.
- Consider heated towel rails and underfloor heating for winter comfort.
4) Smart storage
- Recessed shower niches at 1100–1200 mm height keep bottles tidy.
- Wall‑hung vanities with soft‑close drawers preserve floor space and make cleaning easier.
- Custom cabinetry WA solutions can match your kitchen, laundry and wardrobe finishes for a cohesive home.
Our WA renovation process
- Design consult: We measure, discuss lifestyle, storage and budget. Bring inspiration from your kitchen, laundry renovation or wardrobe fit‑outs for a consistent look.
- Concept & 3D: Scaled plans and renders with product selections (baths, screens, tiles, tapware, lighting).
- Compliance: We plan waterproofing to AS/NZS 3740, advise on strata approvals, and coordinate plumbing/electrical per NCC and WA requirements.
- Manufacture & scheduling: Local cabinetmaking in Perth, site-ready timeframes coordinated with other trades.
- Install & handover: Protection, demolition, services rough‑in, waterproofing, tiling, fit‑off, and quality assurance with care instructions.
We’re equally at home with kitchen renovations Perth, bathroom renovations, laundry and wardrobes, ensuring style continuity from your shaker kitchen to your ensuite.
Materials and finishes that last in WA
Baths
- Acrylic: Warm to touch, lighter for upstairs installs, affordable; look for reinforced bases and anti‑slip texture.
- Pressed steel/enamel: Extremely durable, excellent for rental properties; cooler on first contact.
- Composite/stone baths: Premium feel and thermal mass; check weight and floor structure.
Glass and screens
- Frameless: Minimal look and easier cleaning; needs precise install.
- Semi‑frameless: Great balance of cost and performance for family bathrooms.
- Soft‑close swing panels improve access for bathing children.
Tiles and flooring
- Porcelain tiles are hard‑wearing and moisture‑resistant; use rectified edges for crisp lines.
- Choose slip ratings suited to wet zones (P3–P4) and grout with mould‑resistant additives.
- Large formats reduce grout lines; mosaics help achieve complex falls at the waste.
Tapware and fittings
- Matte black, brushed nickel and gunmetal finishes complement contemporary or coastal styles.
- Thermostatic mixers increase showering safety for kids and older users.
- Check WELS star ratings for water efficiency and compliance.
Vanities and benchtops
With changes to engineered stone availability in Australia, many Perth homeowners are selecting porcelain/sintered surfaces, solid surface or high‑pressure laminate for vanities. Below is a quick comparison for bathroom use.
| Feature | Engineered stone (note restrictions) | Laminate (HPL) |
|---|---|---|
| Heat/moisture resistance | Good heat resistance; sealed edges needed at cut‑outs and splash zones | Very good moisture resistance when sealed; avoid direct heat |
| Cost (installed) | Mid to high | Low to mid |
| Maintenance | Low; avoid harsh abrasives | Low; use non‑abrasive cleaners |
| Colour/pattern choice | Wide, stone‑like | Very wide, including timber‑look and stone decors |
| Availability in WA | Subject to current Australian restrictions; alternatives widely used | Readily available |
| Health/safety | Refer to national guidance on silica‑containing products | No silica‑specific concerns |
Popular alternatives: porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface, compact laminate and natural stone (sealed). For guidance on engineered stone in Australia, see Safe Work Australia (external) here.
Australia’s Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards scheme. Higher stars = lower water use at similar performance.
Layouts and styles that work
Small spaces: shower tub combo for small spaces
- Choose a 1500–1600 mm bath with a squared end; pair with a 900–1000 mm glass panel.
- Use a wall‑hung vanity and recessed mirrored cabinet to gain storage without crowding.
- Keep lines clean: large‑format porcelain, light grout, and a frameless screen enhance spaciousness.
Family bathrooms
- Thermostatic mixer, anti‑slip bath base and a twin‑rail shower suit varied users.
- Robust finishes like laminate vanities and semi‑frameless screens balance durability and value.
Ensuites and premium builds
- Consider a freestanding bath with shower at one end and a curved glass panel for a luxe look.
- Styling: warm timber‑look cabinetry, shaker or flat‑panel fronts, matte black or brushed nickel tapware, terrazzo‑look tiles.
Accessibility and aging‑in‑place
- Low‑profile bath lips and future‑proofed noggins for grab rails.
- Opt for hobless showers in other bathrooms to complement the shower‑bath in the main bathroom.
Coordinating across the home? We can align bathroom finishes with your engineered stone benchtop alternatives, custom cabinetry WA and kitchen renovations Perth for a cohesive palette.
Real WA examples
Case 1: Subiaco apartment refresh
Problem: A 1980s bathroom with a tight footprint and poor storage. Solution: 1500 mm acrylic shower bath with a 1000 mm frameless panel, wall‑hung vanity in coastal oak laminate, brushed nickel tapware, and a recessed mirrored cabinet. Result: 20% more storage and a brighter, low‑maintenance space.
Case 2: Cottesloe family home upgrade
Problem: Bath for kids plus a separate shower took too much space. Solution: Semi‑frameless shower bath with thermostatic mixer and a twin‑rail set, porcelain benchtop vanity, P4 floor tiles and ducted exhaust. Result: safer bathing, simpler cleaning, and more room for a full‑height linen cabinet.
Cost guide (Perth)
- Refresh (retain layout): $7,000–$12,000 — new shower bath, screen, tapware, vanity and repaint/partial re‑tile.
- Mid‑range renovation: $12,000–$22,000 — full retile, new lighting, wall‑hung vanity, custom storage, premium screen.
- Premium: $22,000–$40,000+ — designer tiles, porcelain/sintered vanity tops, underfloor heating, bespoke cabinetry.
Allow for strata approvals (apartments), possible asbestos management in pre‑1990s homes (use licensed removalists), and lead times for custom cabinetry and tiles. For building standards, consult HIA resources here or Master Builders WA here.
Practical planning checklist
- Confirm room size and drainage locations; plan falls to waste.
- Select bath length (1500/1600/1700 mm) and screen type (swing, fixed, semi‑frameless, frameless).
- Choose slip‑resistant floor tiles (P3–P4) and mould‑resistant grout.
- Specify tapware finish and WELS rating; consider thermostatic mixers.
- Plan storage: vanity drawers, mirrored cabinets, niches, linen cupboards.
- Ventilation: duct fan to exterior; check NCC compliance.
- Benchtops and cabinetry: laminate, porcelain/sintered or solid surface; soft‑close drawers.
- Electrical: GPOs, task lighting, heated towel rail, exhaust interlock.
- Timeline and budget: include contingencies and lead times.
- Choose a licensed builder/renovator and keep all warranties and certificates.
Why Joyce Kitchens for your shower–bath renovation
- Perth‑based design team with decades of WA experience across kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes.
- Custom cabinetry, quality fittings and coordinated project management.
- Cohesive styling from your shaker kitchen to your ensuite and laundry renovation.
Ready to plan your modern shower bath? Contact Joyce Kitchens for a tailored in‑home or showroom consultation.
FAQ
Is a shower-over-bath still a good idea in modern homes?
Yes. A modern shower bath saves space, adds family flexibility and can look premium with a frameless or semi‑frameless panel. It’s ideal for apartments and family bathrooms where a separate shower won’t fit, and it can improve resale appeal.
What size bath suits a shower tub combo for small spaces?
Most compact bathrooms work best with a 1500–1600 mm long bath, 700–750 mm wide, with a square showering end and anti‑slip base. Pair it with a 900–1000 mm glass screen to control splash while keeping access easy.
Do I need waterproofing certification in WA?
Yes. Bathrooms must be waterproofed to AS/NZS 3740 and the NCC. Use an accredited waterproofer, and keep the certificate for warranties and any strata requirements. Proper falls to waste and compatible membranes are essential.
What benchtop options replace engineered stone for vanities in Australia?
Excellent alternatives include porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface, compact laminate and sealed natural stone. Availability of engineered stone is restricted; check current guidance from Safe Work Australia and discuss suitable options with your designer.
How long does a bathroom renovation take in Perth?
On‑site works typically take 2–6 weeks depending on scope (demolition, waterproofing, tiling, cabinetry and fit‑off). Add 2–8 weeks for design, selections and manufacturing lead times, especially for custom cabinetry and tiles.